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Ann Cooper: Elk shooting and respect for wildlife

Posted:
01/07/2013 01:00:00 AM MST

What a heart breaker to read this morning's report of the shooting of "Big Guy." He was a truly majestic elk.

As he wandered around his North Boulder territory, he brought great pleasure and joy to those of us who care deeply about the nearby wild. Yes, he was huge. When he visited our yard for three or four days as he went on his rounds, we gave him his space. We enjoyed him from a distance. Wild animals should be treated with respect and given the right of way. We are in their space after all.

Now he is gone and our lives are diminished. What a shameful way to treat such a magnificent creature.

When I teach children or adults on the trail, I try to convey a sense of wonder and respect for wildlife with whom we share space. I emphasize that it is up to us to know how to act safely in the presence of our larger animals -- that we are the ones who must think things through.

It sickens me to find that others in my community felt Big Guy was just a commodity to be used -- mere meat and antlers.

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